'Learn to walk again': Sask. doctor tells story of miracle recovery from deadly heart condition
It was a powerful morning at Regina’s Conexus Arts Centre Wednesday, where the Lieutenant Governor hosted the annual Saskatchewan Prayer Breakfast and a provincial doctor told his story of survival from a deadly heart condition.
The event traditionally features a guest speaker, and this year, Dr. Khami Chokani, a medical health officer with the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA), had many of the attendees visibly emotional as he recalled his near death experience with a complex type A aortic dissection two years ago.
Type A dissection occurs when a tear develops in the ascending part of the aorta just as it branches off the heart.
Chokani is one of only seven people in North America to survive this specific diagnosis.
He recalled the experience of being in and out of consciousness during his six week ICU stay, and the difficult rehabilitation process which included relearning many skills.
“I actually was paralyzed on one side. I had to learn to walk again. I couldn’t tie my buttons, there was no way I could bring my two fingers together, they didn’t meet. I couldn’t see, I was actually blind, I had no depth perception on my left [side] I had no balance, I needed a support in order to keep me upright,” Chokani said.
He shared with the audience how prayer and faith played a large role in his recovery, which is the message he wished they would take home with them.
“I hope they feel hope. Hope that there’s faith and that there’s faith and that there’s that belief that we can get something done together,” he said.
Recently, Chokani was moved from a type A to type B in his diagnosis, meaning he is continuing on an unexpectedly positive and rapid recovery.
Chokani admitted that the entire process was somewhat of a blur, with much of the story being told to him after he was in recovery.
“Even as I was talking it was like I was filling in gaps and then there was the realization that hey this happened as you were told and it’s been a growing process, a learning for me of trying to fill in that gap in my life.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Russia puts Ukrainian President Zelenskyy on its wanted list
Russia has put Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on its wanted list, Russian state media reported Saturday, citing the interior ministry’s database.
Two killed after collision with truck on Hwy. 417 near Limoges, Ont.
Ontario Provincial Police say two people were killed after a car and a transport truck collided in the westbound lanes of Highway 417 near Limoges, Ont. on Tuesday afternoon.
A Chinese driver is praised for helping reduce casualties in a highway collapse that killed 48
A Chinese truck driver was praised in local media Saturday for parking his vehicle across a highway and preventing more cars from tumbling down a slope after a section of the road in the country's mountainous south collapsed and killed at least 48 people.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Premier Legault reiterates that McGill pro-Palestinian camp must be dismantled
Quebec Premier François Legault reiterated that the pro-Palestinian encampment at McGill University must be dismantled while police remain 'on the lookout for new developments.'
Houston braces for flooding to worsen in wake of storms
High waters flooded neighborhoods around Houston on Saturday following heavy rains that have already resulted in crews rescuing hundreds of people from homes, rooftops and roads engulfed in murky water.